Social and recreational activities

Japanese Americans found ways to fill the long days created by the enforced idleness of camp life. They made jewelry from shells found in the desert, built furniture for their rooms using scrap lumber and renovated the exteriors of their barracks. People also played cards, chess, checkers, mahjongg, and the Japanese games 'go' and 'shogi.' Camp inmates held dances, concerts, plays, and arts and crafts exhibitions. In Minidoka concentration camp, Idaho, they even held a beauty contest to select the "Sweetheart of Minidoka."

World War II (231)
Concentration camps (1434)
Social and recreational activities (1155)

Related articles from the Densho Encyclopedia :
Arts and crafts in camp, Music in camp

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1155 items

img Boy Scouts (ddr-csujad-55-1459)

Scrapbook page containing five black and white photographs of Boy Scouts at the Crystal City Department of Justice Internment Camp. Title from caption. From the Mary F. Clark scrapbook, "Before I Forget, 1942-1947," page 108. See also sac_jaac_1334 through sac_jaac_1529. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1461

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1459/

doc Boy Scouts of America Modoc Area Council temporary certificate of advancement (ddr-csujad-55-1995)

Certificate stating that Allan Minoru Hida has completed all requirements necessary for advancement as a second class scout in Boy Scouts of America, Modoc Area Council. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1998

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1995/

doc Memo from Jiro Fujioka, Co-operating with Block Chairmen, Heart Mountain, to Rev. Kubose, July 19, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-706)

Memorandum from Jiro Fujioka to Speaker, Rev. Kubose regarding his "Young people's psychology" speech at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0708

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-706/

doc Sentinel supplement, series 32 (February 18, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1028)

News bulletin for incarcerees covering announcements, events, programs, policies, recreational activities, and jobs at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Current issue includes an announcement from Project Director, Guy Robertson, on registration ("loyalty questionnaire"), and information on clothing allowances, investigation committee, and postal services. Includes section in Japanese. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1028/

doc Letter from Emil Bayer, German Spokesman, to Robert F. Martin, M.D., Medical Officer in Charge, September 27, 1945 (ddr-csujad-55-1471)

Invitation from Emil Bayer to the Symphony Concert at Crystal City Department of Justice Internment Camp. From the Mary F. Clark scrapbook, "Before I Forget, 1942-1947," page 115. See also sac_jaac_1334 through sac_jaac_1529. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1473

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1471/

doc Passport no. 1944 (ddr-csujad-55-1845)

Passport belonging to Mrs. McClaren (McLaren) for a cruise to Hawaii aboard the S.S. Aloha. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1848

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1845/

doc Community activities section (ddr-csujad-55-14)

Responsibilities and appointment of section leaders for men's and women's athletics, entertainment, socials, and organizations in the Jerome incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_00016

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-14/

doc General plan of activity spacing (ddr-csujad-55-725)

List of recreational activities at Heart Mountain incarceration camp specifying block number, recreation hall number, and location at the north or south end of camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0727

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-725/

Certificate from the American National Red Cross to Taeko Ono in Poston, Arizona, for junior course of instruction in first aid, December 27, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-145)

doc Certificate from the American National Red Cross to Taeko Ono in Poston, Arizona, for junior course of instruction in first aid, December 27, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-145)

Card certifying that Taeko Ono has completed the junior course of instruction in first aid. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0147

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-145/

doc General information bulletin (Cody, Wyo.), series 22 (October 6, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-655)

General information bulletin, series 22, published at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp, Wyoming on October 6, 1942. Bulletin including news, events, and topics related to Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Includes: High School Opens for 1251 colonists; 2-day faculty conference starts Thursday; New regulation on leave permits; Ghostly intruder terrorizes colonists; Catholic service Wednesday; Appendectomy performed; First …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-655/

doc General information bulletin (Cody, Wyo.), series 12 (September 17, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-646)

General information bulletin, series 12, published at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp, Wyoming on September 17, 1942. Bulletin including news, events, and topics related to Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Includes: Clothing issue situation clarified; Judges, alternates approved; 35 beet workers leave for Montana; Center population now 10,867; Colonists install celotex walls; Mail order house unit to …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-646/

doc Memo from Jiro Fujioka, Co-operating with Block Chairmen, Heart Mountain, to Mr. Kinoshita, June 28, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-695)

Memorandum from Jiro Fujioka to Speaker, Mr. Kinoshita, regarding his speech on hiking paleontology at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0697

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-695/

doc Letter from Kenneth Hori to George Waegell, July 31, [1943] (ddr-csujad-55-2543)

Correspondence from Kenneth Hori to George Waegell regarding the receipt of comic books and possibility of move to a camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2650

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2543/

doc Receipt from Murray's Athletic Company for two dozen ping pong balls (ddr-csujad-55-947)

Receipt from Murray's Athletic Company for two dozen ping pong balls. Includes Japanese handwritten notes. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0949

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-947/

img Grammar school tea (ddr-csujad-55-1429)

Scrapbook page containing an invitation to an informal tea for grammar school faculty and black and white photographs of the event. Title from caption. From the Mary F. Clark scrapbook, "Before I Forget, 1942-1947," page 81. See also sac_jaac_1334 through sac_jaac_1529. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1431

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1429/

doc General information bulletin (Cody, Wyo.), series 13 (September 19, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-647)

General information bulletin, series 13, published at the Heart Mountain incarceration camp, Wyoming on September 19, 1942. Bulletin including news, events, and topics related to Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Includes: Army provides food on ration basis; Installation of stoves to be completed soon; Break in water line repaired; Ask surrender of expired work leave permits; Nisei …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-647/

img Tule Lake orchestra (ddr-csujad-55-2212)

Black and white photograph of the Tule Lake orchestra at Tule Lake incarceration camp. Pictured from left to right (front row): Terry Irakawa, Shizu Ishida, R. Ishiyami, Emi Matsumoto, Mr. A. Umemoto (conductor), Yuichi Takahashi, Sachi Matsui, Miya Nagata, Ruth Temmu, Grace Matsuda. Second row: Shichio Nishida, Hayashi, Hayuo Motoyama, Hamachi, Richard Tanaka, Morioka, Tom Matsuda, …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2212/

doc Sentinel supplement, series 57 (April 15, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1046)

News bulletin for incarcerees covering announcements, events, programs, policies, recreational activities, and jobs at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Current issue includes information on recruitment of incarcerated Nisei into armed forces, a ban on kite flying, employment, and Judo school. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1048

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1046/

doc Letter from Willy Boeck, German Spokesman, to Dr. Robert F. Martin, Medical Officer in Charge, April 30, 1945 (ddr-csujad-55-1469)

Invitation for the German May Day celebration at Crystal City Department of Justice Internment Camp. From the Mary F. Clark scrapbook, "Before I Forget, 1942-1947," page 114. See also sac_jaac_1334 through sac_jaac_1529. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1471

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1469/

doc Memo from Jiro Fujioka, Co-operating with Block Chairmen, Heart Mountain, to Mr. Matsushige, June 21, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-693)

Memorandum from Jiro Fujioka to Speaker, Mr. Matsushige, regarding his speech on home role at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Includes handwritten comments in Japanese. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0695

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-693/

doc Memo from Shoji Nagumo, Co-operating with Block Chairmen to Mr. Hatchimonji, October 11, 1944 (ddr-csujad-55-956)

Memorandum from Jiro Fujioka to Speaker, Mr. Hatchimonji regarding his "resettlement problem" talk at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Includes Japanese handwritten notes. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0958

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-956/

doc Letter from Motokazu Mori, Chief, Japanese Young People Division, to Miss March Clark, March 7, 1944 (ddr-csujad-55-1468)

Invitation for the spring events presented by the Japanese Young People Division at Crystal City Department of Justice Internment Camp. From the Mary F. Clark scrapbook, "Before I Forget, 1942-1947," page 113. See also sac_jaac_1334 through sac_jaac_1529. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1470

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1468/

doc Minutes from the Heart Mountain Community Council meeting, November 23, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-492)

Minutes from the Heart Mountain Community Council meeting. Includes discussion on milk, dental services, and recreation. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0494

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-492/

doc Song sheet with lyrics (ddr-csujad-55-1945)

List of songs and lyrics for fourteen songs, probably from the "Let's Sing" program at Tule Lake incarceration camp. See also sac_jaac_1943 through sac_jaac_1948. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1948

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1945/

doc Sentinel supplement, series 8 (November 18, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1020)

News bulletin for incarcerees covering announcements, events, programs, policies, recreational activities, and jobs at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Current issue includes information on paychecks, clothing allowances, and "Issei-Nisei cooperation." Includes section in Japanese. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1022

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1020/